Chandigarh: After much hue and cry and resentment over the postponement, the 35th convocation of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER, PGI Chandigarh) was finally held on Saturday, with union Health Minister J P Nadda as its chief guest. Nadda is also the president of the institute.

The entire ceremony that lasted three and a half hours saw whooping 1,886 students receiving their degrees in different fields.

“It was my examination today that I was able to grant degrees to 1,886 students. It was a rare opportunity for me to be here. I congratulate the faculty as it is indeed a proud day for all of us.” Nadda remarked

The Union minister honoured 35 gold medallists for outstanding research and academic excellence. Besides, 92silver medals and 95 bronze medals were also awarded to students from various specialities.

During the convocation PhD was awarded to 126 students; DM (medical super-specialties) to 253; MCh (surgical super-specialties) to 129; MD in the medical specialities to 719; MS in the surgical specialities to 251; MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) to 31; MHA (Master of Hospital Administration) to 21; MPH (Master of Public Health) to 51; MSc in biochemistry, medical biotechnology, radiodiagnosis, radiotherapy, virology, haematology and anatomy to 65 and BSc in paramedical courses to 240 students.

Noting that institutions such as PGIMER and AIIMS are overburdened with work Union minister J P Nadda health ministry is coming up with several AIIMS-like institutions and expanding the medical colleges’ network in the country.

“We are coming up with various All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)-like institutions in several parts of the country. We are also expanding the network of our medical colleges in a big way by upgrading district hospitals to medical colleges,” Nadda said while sharing details about initiatives taken by the central government.

He said the introduction of government schemes like Ayushman Bharat will bring a complete change in delivering health care services to the poor.

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Scheme(Ayushman Bharat ) has been implemented in PGIMER with effect from October 13, 2018, and approximately 177 patients have been treated under the scheme.